Chapter 21
**Marilyn**
"Daniel I've had enough," I said out of breath.
"You asked for it Lyn now get up."
I asked him to train me and to say he was taking it seriously was an understatement. I wanted to be stronger. I wanted to be able to fight alongside him. But I didn't think it was going to be this hard. I picked myself up for what felt like the thousandth time. We had been at it for two hours and he didn't look like he was planning on stopping anytime soon. He was going easy on me and hadn't even broken a sweat while I probably looked like I had been running a marathon. It was his job to make sure the pack was fully prepared in case of an attack. Since I had volunteered myself I had private lessons on top of regular training. He sure wasn't third in command for nothing.
I got back into position and waited on him to come at me again. We were mostly working on my technique which he told me was sloppy and would more than likely get me killed. He charged at me at half speed and I dodged. Somehow he managed to catch me off guard and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back and he was on top of me.
"You have to stay alert. Just because you dodge one attack doesn't mean the fight is over. There will be another right after, maybe several depending on who you're up against."
"I know I know you just catch me off guard," I whined.
"No one is going to say, 'Hey I'm about to attack you be ready'. T hey're going to come at you and not stop until you either surrender or they kill you. I want neither."
He helped me up and I pouted making him laugh.
"You're just starting out you'll get better," he said encouragingly.
"Thanks. Now can I please go take a shower and rest before we go see your mother. I can't meet her looking and smelling like this."
"I don't know. I kind of like you sweaty and panting," he said smirking.
"Oh shut up," I said smacking his arm playfully.
We headed back in and I hopped in the much needed shower. We were going to see his mom in a few hours once she was able to accept visitors.
I put on some comfortable clothes and just laid in the bed to relax. A few minutes later Daniel came in already showered with some sweats on. I was glad he threw on a tank top otherwise I wouldn't have been able to keep my thoughts from going X-rated. I swear he looked better every time I saw him. He climbed in next to me and we just cuddled up passing the time. I was so comfortable I had to fight the urge to fall asleep in his arms.
An hour and a half passed before it was time to get dressed. I was nervous about meeting his mother. I had spent all last night looking for the perfect outfit and still wasn't sure if it was good enough. Daniel finally convinced me it was fine and that I should get some rest before I finally gave in and decided it would have to do. I was wearing a cute but modest cream skirt and a flowery top with some matching wedges. I did my hair and a cute up-do and put on some like makeup. I stepped out of the bathroom once I was done and came face to face with Daniel who looked like he could have been a model dressed in a polo and jeans.
"You look nice," he said with a smile.
"So do you," I said trying not to stare.
"Come on. Rick is waiting for us down stairs," he said taking my hand.
"Rick's coming?" I asked curious since he didn't mention it before.
"Is that a problem?"
The sound of his voice scared the day lights out of me. I hadn't even noticed that we had reached the bottom of the stairs. There he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Although he seemed nice it didn't make him any less intimidating.
"Of course not alpha" I said slightly nervous. Jasmine walked into the room and he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"What did I tell you about being an ass Rick. I swear you have no people skills," she said making me laugh.
He squeezed her behind playfully and she rolled her eyes and smacked his hand away.
"You get used to it," Daniel said shaking his head.
We got into Daniel's car and they got into what I assumed to be Rick's. The drive was about an hour long. We pulled up to a white building with all types of flowers surrounding it. It looked to be inviting and I could tell that Daniel sent her to the best place that money could buy.
It was fenced in and some guards greeted Daniel and Rick before letting us through. They kept walking and another guy typed in a security code that opened another set of doors. Once we finally made it past the heavily secured areas we were in a lobby where some people were playing cards. Others were watching tv and they seemed pretty happy here.
"She's in her room. Follow me," a middle aged woman said leading us down a hallway. We came to a door and Daniel and Rick walked right in while me and Jasmine followed.
"Danny! I'm so glad you came sweetheart I missed you," a women said throwing her arms around him and kissing his cheek.
"Hi ma," he said smiling and hugging her back. I could easily see the resemblance although they didn't look exactly alike. His hair was dark while hers was more of a sandy blonde color. He was more tan than her as well but that might have been because he spent way more time out doors.
"And is that Ricky? It's about time you came to see me. Now that you became a big shot alpha you barely have time to come and visit."
"I'm sorry Aunt Jackie I'll come more often."
"You better. I've known you since you were a little boy you're not to big for me to take you over my knee. Your title doesn't mean a thing to me young man. Now get over here."
He just grinned and walked over to her. She embraced him and gave him a kiss on the cheek as well.
"And Jasmine. Always a pleasure. I trust you've been keeping him in line like I taught you."
"Yes mam," she said smiling.
"And sorry dear who might you be?" she said giving me a confused expression. Daniel walked over to me and grabbed my hand.
"Ma this is Marilyn, my mate," he said proudly. Her demeanor changed instantly.
"Hello," I said shyly.
"You're my son's mate?" she said with no emotion what so ever. I felt like she was trying to look right through me.
"Yes mam, I am."
"Tell me, Marilyn is it? What makes you think that you deserve to be with my son? I may be stuck in here but I'm not completely clueless to the outside world. I've heard things about you. I have to say I'm not too thrilled with what I have been hearing."
"Ma don't," Daniel said trying to defend me. I cut him off. I had to learn to fight my own battles.
"No Daniel it's okay. Look I don't mean to be rude or anything. But whatever you heard was either a lie or in the past. Yes me and your son got off to a rocky start. The truth is I wasn't sure I deserved him at certain points either but that's over. I have accepted that we are mates and I couldn't have asked for a better one. It may have took me a while to see, but he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You may be his mother but I am his mate and I will give my last breath for him as he would do for me. I came here to get to know the amazing woman who birthed an equally amazing man. I can only hope you give me a chance to prove to you that I am worthy enough to be with your son and accept our relationship."
I looked her in the eye waiting on her to speak. He facial expression didn't change and she remained silent for what seemed like an eternity before she spoke.
"I can respect you defending yourself, but it's not enough. He is my only son and I want the best for him. Can you honestly say you want him and only him?"
"Yes"
"That you will be loyal and never betray him?"
"Of course"
"And you believe her?" she said turning to Daniel.
I had to admit that was a good question. He had his doubts before and as much as I wanted to believe he was over it, I couldn't be sure. What if he never got over it? What if he always had doubts about me? About us?
"I trust her completely," he said looking at me. I could her the sincerity in his voice. I could see the truth of his words written all over his face. I was relieved to say the least.
"Then I guess that's good enough for me. Welcome to the family honey," she said pulling me into a bone crushing hug.
"Just remember that if you hurt my little boy it will be the last thing you ever do. Now when can I expect grandchildren? I'm not getting any younger here."
Daniel groaned and I turned beet red as Rick and Jasmine watched in amusement. This had turned out to be some visit.